C1 Driver Training for Student Paramedics & NHS Ambulance Staff
Located centrally in Guildford, we provide Cat C1 Driver Training for those looking to become paramedics or join the NHS ambulance service, covering Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, Sussex, and London.
Special Discount for Student Paramedics
We offer discounted Cat C1 driver training courses for student paramedics, helping you pass your Cat C1 driving test in as little as two days. With a pass rate of around 95%, you can be confident that you’re in good hands!
Why Choose Matt Price Driver Training?
At Matt Price Driver Training, we offer a comprehensive and practical solution for anyone seeking Cat C1 Driver Training to drive ambulances. Our aim is simple: to provide 100% customer satisfaction from your first lesson to the moment you pass your test.
Our Commitment to You:
- Over 20 years of experience in the driver training industry
- A highly qualified, DVSA-approved instructor
- Training in a modern, easy-to-drive Mercedes Sprinter – the same model used by many ambulance services
- Stress-free training in a supportive environment
- We conduct all training ourselves in our vehicles and never use third-party brokers
- Expert knowledge of test routes used in the on-road driving exam
How to Get Started
Haven’t started the application process for your C1 licence yet? No problem! Here’s a quick guide:
The Process
No matter what HGV category you intend on going for the initial process is the same:
- If you have not done so yet, you will need to get a D2 & D4 application pack to from the Post Office.
- Get a medical carried out for the D4 form. Unlike some training companies, we do not offer the medical for the simple reason being is there are lots of companies out there offering just this! Search for “HGV Medical” and you will see for yourself! Going to them directly will save you money as most training schools charge you for this on top of the doctor’s costs! More info about the forms can be found here: D2 & D4 Forms Explained
- Once you have your provisional licence back, get the theory tests booked.
The Theory Tests
- Module 1a Multiple Choice: 100 questions covering driving regulations, hazard awareness, safety margins, and vehicle security. (Many are generic HGV questions and so will be irrelevant to you, but still needed to know to pass the test. The pass mark is 85 out of 100.
- Module 1b Hazard Perception: 19 video clips, featuring 20 developing hazards (19 single, 1 double). The pass mark is 67 out of 100. These are the same clips used on the car test – so now that you are a more experienced driver, you might spot the hazards before the scoring starts. So I advise to click when you see the hazard, and click again a second later. It will always use the highest score.
Both the multiple-choice test and the Hazard Perception test must be passed before you can take the practical exams.
The C1 Driver Training Process
The Practical Test is made up of:
- Module 3A: Reversing exercise in an S-shaped pattern into a bay, completed in-house.
- Module 3B: On-road driving test in the Guildford area, completed on the final day of training.
The Module 3A reversing exercise must be passed before the Module 3B On-Road test. It consists of reversing the vehicle in a S shaped pattern into a bay. The test is carried out in-house, but DVSA regulations state that we are not allowed to train and test the same candidate, so Matt will work alongside another trainer who will conduct the test. The training is normally carried out in small groups – or individually where needed.
Module 3B is the on-road driving test. Being a higher category, the standard required for the on-road test is higher than the car test, but Matt’s training program will give you time to improve your driving skills, lose any bad habits that may have crept in, and also give you vital test route familiarisation along with all the hotspots that have the potential to cause issues to the unsuspecting!
The on-road training is carried out on a ONE-TO-ONE basis, whereas with most other training companies you will be paired up with someone else so effectively you only get half the training time they state!
During your practical on-road driving, the examiner will be looking at various aspects including:
- Use the vehicle controls
- Move away at an angle, uphill and downhill
- Pull up in various safe locations.
- Use of mirrors and general observation
- Give appropriate signals
- Show awareness and anticipation of other road users’ intentions
- Manage your progress and control your vehicle speed
- Deal with hazards
There will also be 10 minutes of independent driving, designed to test your ability to drive safely while making independent decisions.
The drive is a full 60 minutes on the road – that’s a long time to keep every aspect of your driving spot-on and not lose any concentration! But Matt’s training will prepare you to pass it with ease!
Pass in our Auto and gain a manual C1 licence
Our training vehicle is a modern Mercedes Sprinter with an automatic transmission.
DVSA rules state that if you hold a manual car licence, you can take any higher category test, such as the C1 test, in an automatic vehicle and gain a manual licence in that category!
Flexible Course Options
- Standard Course: For confident, regular car drivers, a standard course consisting of 10 hours of training (including the test time) is generally sufficient. This is carried out over two days where possible, but due to test times, this may vary.
- Extended Courses: For those who are less confident drivers, or have little experience since passing their car test, longer training courses are available. Contact us to discuss your needs.
If you’re working with a deadline to pass your Cat C1 test, we will do everything we can to accommodate your needs. Contact us today for more information!